Non-slip formulations

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to formulations and methods for preventing surfaces of natural or mineral materials or cementitious products from becoming slippery, especially when wet. The formulations comprise a non-fluorine-containing acid; a fluorine-containing compound, hydrogen sulfate or acetic acid; and a surfactant. Also disclosed are novel cleaning agents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/762,407, filed Dec. 9, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,021.

This invention relates to formulations which prevent natural or mineralmaterials, or cementitious products, from becoming slippery, especiallywhen these materials or products get wet. This invention also relates toformulations which are useful as cleaners.

Many natural stone or mineral flooring materials, such as marble,granite, slate or flagstone, and many cementitious products, such asterrazzo, concrete, manufactured ceramic tile, glazed and unglazed tile,quarry tile, and porcelain are used abundantly in the construction ofhomes, office buildings, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, motels,shopping malls, restaurants, schools, pool decks and the like. Many ofthese materials also find use, in, for example, bathrooms and porcelainfixtures such as bathtubs and shower stalls.

Many of these products are manufactured just within the nationallyrecognized guidelines for a safe, dry walking surface. According to OSHAregulations (see generally, 29 C.F.R. 1910.22), surfaces should have acoefficient of friction of at least 0.5. The Americans With DisabilitiesAct Guidelines suggest a coefficient of friction of 0.6 for horizontalsurfaces and 0.7 for ramps and inclines. The Underwriters Laboratoriesclassification for slip resistance is 0.5. These surfaces can becomecontaminated and fall below the safe level when dry. In addition, whenthe surfaces become wet, the friction can fall well below these sameguidelines for a safe walking surface, thus creating a hazardousenvironment.

A number of methods have been attempted to overcome the problem ofslipperiness encountered with the above materials and products. Thesemethods include the use of abrasive adhesive tapes, topical coatingssuch as epoxies, acrylics, and paints containing an abrasive materialsuch as sand or polystyrene pellets. These methods, however, aretemporary, difficult to maintain and aesthetically unpleasant. Anothermethod employed is to etch glazed surfaces. This method, however,removes the gloss of the glaze and is aesthetically unpleasant. Inaddition, by etching into the glazing, the porous undersurface isexposed, which can lead to discoloration and staining.

Another problem encountered in the prior art is that many of thesemethods are not effective on all of the types of surfaces identifiedabove. Rather, many of the prior art methods are effective on eitherglazed or unglazed surfaces, but not both. This problem is furthercompounded when a surface is made up of a variety of materials, such asfor design purposes.

Accordingly, there is a need for one multi-function formulation whichwill render multiple types of surfaces, including man-made glazed andunglazed tile, natural stone or mineral flooring, marble, granite, slateand cementitious products such as terrazzo and concrete, and surfacesmade up of combinations of these materials, slip resistant, especiallywhen wet, submerged or contaminated.

In addition, there is a need for one multi-function formulation which islong-lasting on these surfaces.

There is a further need for one multi-function formulation which isaesthetically pleasing and does not significantly alter the visualappearance when applied to these surfaces.

Finally, there is a need for a new and improved cleaner for cleaning avariety of surfaces.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to solve the unacceptably low frictionproblem which exists on all of the above types of surfaces.

It is another object of this invention to incorporate a process ormethod of application of this invention which is simple to use whendirections are followed.

It is yet another object of this invention to enable persons atdifferent levels of expertise to utilize this invention, including theprofessional applicator, janitorial-type personnel, and homeowners.

It is a further object of this invention to provide for a formulationwhich will increase the slip resistance on all of the above types ofsurfaces.

It is yet a further objective of this invention to provide for a singlemethod or formulation which will solve the friction problem identifiedfor the above surfaces which will not change the aesthetic appearance ofthose surfaces.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide for new andimproved cleaners.

The above needs are met by the present invention, which is a combinationof aqueous chemical solutions for the application onto multiple types ofsurfaces as follows: natural stone or mineral flooring materials, i.e.,marble, granite, slate, flagstone; cementitious products, i.e.,terrazzo, concrete, manufactured ceramic tile, glazed and unglazed tile,quarry tile and porcelain. The present invention renders these surfacesslip resistant when they are wet or contaminated. Preferably, thepresent invention can render these surfaces slip resistant when dry. Inaddition, the present invention makes an excellent cleaner for use onnumerous surfaces.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to formulations and methods for preventingsurfaces of natural or mineral materials or cementitious products frombecoming slippery, especially when wet. The invention comprises anaqueous solution comprising a non-fluorine-containing acid, afluorine-containing compound and a surfactant. Alternatively, hydrogensulfate or acetic acid can be used in place of the fluorine-containingcompound. This solution can be prepared in concentrated form fordilution with water prior to use or in diluted form, ready to use. Thissolution is easily applied to a desired surface. In addition, thisSolution, preferably when further diluted, makes an excellent cleaner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 represents the effects of the claimed invention on a treatedsurface to prevent the surface from becoming slippery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an aqueous solution comprising a firstingredient of a non-fluorine-containing acid; a second ingredientcomprising a fluorine-containing compound, hydrogen sulfate or aceticacid; and a third ingredient comprising a surfactant.

The first ingredient increases the coefficient of friction on unglazedsurfaces, such as mineral surfaces and natural stone, marble, granite,slate, flagstone, as well as cementitious products such as terrazzo,quarry tile, unglazed tile and concrete. This ingredient comprises anacid with the proviso that the acid does not contain fluorine. The acidis preferably an inorganic acid, such as HCl H₂ SO₄ and the like. Mostpreferably, this ingredient is HCl.

The second ingredient increases the coefficient of friction on glazedsurfaces, such as ceramic, porcelain and glazed tile. It comprises afluorine-containing compound, hydrogen sulfate or acetic acid.Fluorine-containing compounds are preferably alkali bifluorides, such assodium bifluoride, potassium bifluoride, lithium bifluoride and ammoniumbifluoride.

The third ingredient is a surfactant. The surfactant acts as a wettingagent, a disbursing agent and to remove contaminants. Many surfactantscan be used, so long as they do not neutralize the acids. The preferredsurfactant is cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB).

It is understood that these formulations may optionally contain dyes andfragrances. The use of these ingredients is known.

In the formulations of the present invention, the ingredient used forincreasing the coefficient of friction on unglazed surfaces is separatefrom the ingredient used for increasing the coefficient of friction onglazed surfaces. Therefore, even though hydrogen sulfate and acetic acidwhich can be used on glazed surfaces are also acidic, the firstingredient should be a different acid.

The formulations of the present invention are acidic, and will thereforehave a pH below 7. Preferably, the inventive formulations have a pH fromabout 1 to about 5 when they are applied to the surface to be treated.

The compositions of the present invention can be formulated byconventional means. The order of mixing is not critical to thefunctioning of the compositions. The normal precautions, however, shouldbe taken when working with acids.

The inventive compositions can be prepared in concentrated form or indiluted, ready-to-use forms. If the inventive compositions are preparedin concentrated form, they can be diluted to the final desired volumewith water prior to use.

The inventive formulations are easy to apply to a desired surface. Theycan be applied by spraying, mopping or sponging. Preferably, a uniformcoating is applied to the surface to be treated.

It is not necessary to pre-treat the surface prior to applying theinventive formulations. Preferably, however, a pre-treating solution canbe used. The preferred pre-treatment solution comprises a surfactant(preferably 2-propoxyethanol) and a base (preferably sodium hydroxide).In the alternative, 5 to 15% butyl cellusolve can be used.

The inventive formulations are applied to the desired surface, with orwithout pretreatment, as described above, until an increase in frictionis detected by, for example, pushing a foot across the surface. At thistime, the inventive formulations have had the desired effect on thedesired surface.

Once the desired effect has been achieved, formulae 1, 2 and 6-8,described below, should be removed from the surface. Preferably, removalis accomplished by using the same type of solution as the pre-treatmentsolution, discussed above. When using formula 3 below on a surface, thistype of treatment is optional. With formulae 4 and 5 below, this type oftreatment is not necessary. In any event, once the treatment iscomplete, one can wash the surface with water.

The changes which occur when this invention is applied to the surface ofnatural stone, marble, granite, slate, flagstone, cementitious products,terrazzo, quarry tile, unglazed tile and concrete are somewhat differentthan the changes that occur to a glazed surface of ceramic tile orporcelain.

On a glazed surface, the fluorine-containing compound, hydrogen sulfateor acetic acid of the aqueous solution attacks the glaze, exposingsilica crystals. It also dissolves many soft portions of the glazeleaving hundreds or thousands of microscopic open pores or pockets persquare inch on the surface. The exposed silica crystals (FIG. 1) createan increased abrasive friction on the surface when it is dry. When thesurface becomes wet, the microscopic pores fill with the fluid. When theglazed surface is walked on, a vacuum is created within the pocket, thusincreasing the static friction of the floor when wet. The glazedsurface, however, is not penetrated. Therefore, the underlying porousmaterial is not exposed and left unprotected.

On the surface of natural stone, marble, granite, slate, flagstone, andcementitious products such as terrazzo, quarry tile, unglazed tile andconcrete, the surface may not contain silica. If the surface containssilica, the aqueous solution will expose the silica crystals, creatingan increased friction when the surface is dry. If silica is not present,there will not be a notable change in friction when the surface is dry.These types of surfaces, however, are all mineral products which containAlumina (Al₂ O₃). The non-fluorine-containing acid of the aqueoussolution dissolves this alumina, thus leaving hundreds or thousands ofmicroscopic pores or pockets on the surface where the alumina was priorto treatment. When the surface becomes wet the microscopic pores fillwith the fluid. When the surface is walked on, a vacuum is createdwithin the pockets, thus increasing the static friction of the floorwhen wet.

FIG. 1 illustrates the effect this invention has on the various types ofsurfaces it can be applied to. The abrasive surface increases thefriction of the surface when it is wet or dry. The pockets or poresincrease the friction of the surface when it is wet. FIG. 1 is schematiconly, i.e., not to scale, because there are hundreds or thousands ofpockets or pores per square inch when the instant invention is used.

PREFERRED FORMULAE

NH₄ HF₂ +HCl+CAPB

All formulae (1 through 8) are to be mixed with an amount of waternecessary to make 1 gallon total product.

    ______________________________________    1.     21.0   fl. oz. Hydrogen Chloride Solution (31-33% active)           .476   lbs.    Ammonium Bifluoride (99% active)           2.1    fl. oz. Cocamidopropyl Betaine    2.     15.75  fl. oz. Hydrogen Chloride Solution (31-33% active)           .357   lbs.    Ammonium Bifluoride (99% active)           1.575  fl. oz. Cocamidopropyl Betaine    3.     10.50  fl. oz. Hydrogen Chloride Solution (31-33% active)           .238   lbs.    Ammonium Bifloride (99% active)           1.050  fl. oz. Cocamidopropyl Betaine    4.     5.250  fl. oz. Hydrogen Chloride Solution (31-33% active)           .119   lbs.    Ammonium Bifluoride (99% active)           .525   fl. oz. Cocamidopropyl Betaine    5.     2.625  fl. oz. Hydrogen Chloride Solution (31-33% active)           .060   lbs.    Ammonium Bifluoride           .2625  fl. oz. Cocamidopropyl Betaine    ______________________________________

The ammonium bifluoride may be substituted with 0.01-35 fluid ounces ofa hydrogen sulfate solution, or with 10-52 fluid ounces of an aceticacid solution, as follows:

ALTERNATE FORMULAE

    ______________________________________    6. NH.sub.4 HF.sub.2 + HCl + NH.sub.2 SO.sub.4    21.0   fl. oz.  Hydrogen Chloride Solution (31-33% active)    .476   lbs.     Ammonium Bifluoride (99% active)    10.5   fl. oz.  Hydrogen Sulfate Solution (93.5% active)    2.1    fl. oz.  Cocamidopropyl Betaine    7. HCl + H.sub.2 SO.sub.4    21.0   fl. oz.  Hydrogen Chloride Solution (31-33% active)    31.5   fl. oz.  Hydrogen Sulfate Solution (93.5% active)    2.1    fl. oz.  Cocamidopropyl Betaine    8. 1. HCl + CH.sub.3 COOH    21.0   fl. oz.  Hydrogen Chloride Solution (31-33% active)    26.0   fl. oz.  Acetic Acid Solution (99% active)    2.1    fl. oz.  Cocamidopropyl Betaine    ______________________________________

As presently envisioned, formula 3 above is the preferred formulationfor commercial or industrial use and formulation 5 is the preferredformulation for home owner use.

Preferably, the inventive formulation is in a concentrated form fordilution prior to application. Most preferably, the inventiveformulation is diluted to a volume of one gallon with water prior touse. Alternatively, the solutions can be provided in diluted,ready-to-use form.

In the most preferred use of the claimed invention, the surface ispre-treated and cleaned with a first aqueous solution of surfactant(2-propoxyethanol) and base (sodium hydroxide). This first aqueoussolution is applied by mopping and then removed by mopping orextraction. The surfactant cleans the floor and removes grease and othercontaminants. A residue of base remains on the surface and will reactwith the acids of the second aqueous solution.

After pretreatment and cleaning, the surface is then treated with asecond aqueous solution, i.e., the inventive aqueous solution of formula3 above. Prior to use, this formulation was diluted up to one gallontotal volume with water. The second aqueous solution is applied by lowpressure spraying. The residue of base left on the surface from thepre-treating and cleaning step helps to neutralize the acids of thesecond aqueous solution, slowing their aggressiveness and minimizingwhite salt deposits on the surface.

When an increase in friction is felt on the surface, such as for exampleby pushing a foot across the surface, the first aqueous solution isagain applied to the surface. This application can be performed bymopping. This application neutralizes remaining acids from theapplication of the second aqueous solution and removes any residues ofwhite salts left by the reactions of acids with silicates. The firstaqueous solution is then removed by mopping or extraction. The floor isthen rinsed with clean water and damp mopped. In the alternative, thefollowing neutralizer can be employed:

    ______________________________________    Y-SLIP NEUTRALIZER    ______________________________________    4-8 oz.  (6 oz. preferred)                           Potassium Hydroxide    4-8 oz.  (6 oz. preferred)                           Dipropylele Glycol Monomethyl                           Ether    0.5-4.0 oz.             (2 oz. preferred)                           Bisodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)     .25-2.00 oz.             (1 oz. preferred)                           NP-9 (Nonylphenol + 9EO                           Polyethoxylate) (A Surfactant)    ______________________________________

This solution is diluted up to one gallon with water prior to use. Allmeasurements in this formulation are by weight.

The resulting surface is now slip resistant.

Occasionally, due to contamination, it may be desirable to treat floorswith a booster to maintain their slip resistance. Preferred boostershave the following formula:

    ______________________________________    Y-SLIP BOOSTER    ______________________________________    .25-2.5 oz. ABF     Ammonium Bifluoride (99% active)    .25-2.5 fl. oz.                HCL     Hydrogen Cloride (31-33% active)    .25-2.5 oz. NP-9    (A Surfactant)    Preferred       1 oz. ABF (99% active)                    1 fl. oz. HCL (31-33% active)                    1 oz. NP-9 (a surfactant)    ______________________________________

The booster is diluted to one gallon with water prior to use. All ouncemeasurements, except fluid ounces, are by weight.

TEST DATA

Tests were performed by SGS U.S. Testing Co. Inc., New Jersey.

PROCEDURE

Static Coefficient of Friction

Three types of ceramic tiles, smooth gloss finish, smooth matte finishand rough matte finish, quarry tiles and polished porcelain tiles wereused in the antislip treatment evaluation. Three 12 by 12 inch tiles ofeach (quarry tiles were 10" by 10") were treated with the antislipproduct according to client's directions.

Both the treated tiles and three each of untreated tiles were tested forstatic coefficient of friction according to ASTM D-2047 using the Jamesmachine. A neoprene foot was used to simulate bare feet. All of thesamples were tested wet. Additionally, the smooth matte ceramic wastested dry and the untreated porcelain was tested dry.

The product was also applied to other ceramic tiles with variousdecorative patterns and finishes to determine any visual deleteriouseffects on the tiles or finishes.

Use Application

The tiles were pre-treated with a Neutralizer Cleaner (surfactant(2-propoxyethanol) and base (sodium hydroxide)) momentarily and thenrinsed off with tap water. Then, a one to one dilution (per clint'sinstructions) (i.e., the composition of formula 3 diluted to 1 gallonwith water) of the product was sponged on to each tile and allowed tosit until a difference in friction was noticed by the operator whenrubbing a latex gloved finger against the surface. The NeutralizerCleaner (surfactant (2-propoxyethanol) and base (sodium hydroxide)) (1:4dilution per client's instructions) was then applied to sit for oneminute and rinsed off with tap water.

    ______________________________________    RESULTS:                                         Static                                         Coefficient    Sample   Condition                      Specimen Determination                                         Of Friction    ______________________________________    Smooth Matte             Wet      1        1         0.39    Untreated                  2         0.27                               3         0.24                               4         0.24                      2        1         0.18                               2         0.17                               3         0.10                               4         0.15                      3        1         0.30                               2         0.18                               3         0.18                               4         0.15                               Sample Average                                         0.21    Smooth Matte             Wet      1        1         0.57    Treated                    2         0.46                               3         0.46                               4         0.48                      2        1         0.60                               2         0.68                               3         0.80                               4         0.60                      3        1         1.00                               2         1.00                               3         0.88                               4         1.02                               Sample Average                                         0.71    Rough Matte             Wet      1        1         0.31    Untreated                  2         0.21                               3         0.27                               4         0.24                      2        1         0.47                               2         0.30                               3         0.28                               4         0.25                      3        1         0.48                               2         0.37                               3         0.32                               4         0.45                               Sample Average                                         0.33    Rough Matte             Wet      1        1         0.93    Treated                    2         0.59                               3         0.54                               4         0.60                      2        1         >1.20                               2         0.90                               3         1.20                               4         0.85                      3        1         0.60                               2         0.58                               3         0.62                               4         .62                               Sample Average                                         0.79    Smooth Gloss             Wet      1        1         0.08    Untreated                  2         0.06                               3         0.12                               4         0.08                      2        1         0.13                               2         0.08                               3         0.09                               4         0.12                      3        1         0.10                               2         0.09                               3         0.21                               4         0.13                               Sample Average                                         0.11    Smooth Gloss             Wet      1        1         0.37    Treated                    2         0.52                               3         0.47                               4         0.51                      2        1         0.60                               2         0.51                               3         0.50                               4         0.70                      3        1         0.75                               2         0.66                               3         0.85                               4         0.75                               Sample Average                                         0.60    Quarry   Wet      1        1         1.12    Untreated                  2         >1.20                               3         1.10                               4         0.95                      2        1         >1.20                               2         1.00                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                      3        1         >1.20                               2         >1.20                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                               Sample Average                                         >1.15    Quarry   Wet      1        1         1.01    Treated                    2         >1.20                               3         0.95                               4         1.15                      2        1         >1.20                               2         >1.20                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                      3        1         >1.20                               2         >1.20                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                               Sample Average                                         1.16    Porcelain             Wet      1        1         0.14    Untreated                  2         0.14                               3         0.16                               4         0.14                      2        1         0.14                               2         0.13                               3         0.22                               4         0.08                      3        1         0.21                               2         0.13                               3         0.15                               4         0.21                               Sample Average                                         0.15    Porcelain             Wet      1        1         >1.20    Treated                    2         1.04                               3         0.77                               4         0.81                      2        1         1.09                               2         1.13                               3         0.81                               4         1.01                      3        1         1.12                               2         1.00                               3         0.82                               4         0.91                               Sample Average                                         >0.98    Concrete Wet      1        1         >1.20    Untreated                  2         1.15                               3         1.10                               4         >1.20                      2        1         >1.20                               2         >1.20                               3         1.13                               4         >1.20                      3        1         1.02                               2         1.10                               3         1.00                               4         >1.20                               Sample Average                                         >1.16    Porcelain             Dry      1        1         >1.20    Untreated                  2         >1.20                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                      2        1         >1.20                               2         >1.20                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                      3        1         >1.20                               2         >1.20                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                               Sample Average                                         >1.20    Smooth Matte             Dry      1        1         >1.20    Untreated                  2         >1.20                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                      2        1         >1.20                               2         >1.20                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                      3        1         >1.20                               2         >1.20                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                               Sample Average                                         >1.20    Smooth Matte             Dry      1        1         >1.20    Treated                    2         >1.20                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                      2        1         >1.20                               2         >1.20                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                      3        1         >1.20                               2         >1.20                               3         >1.20                               4         >1.20                               Sample Average                                         >1.20    ______________________________________

Ease of Application and Visual Deleterious Effects

During application the approximate contact time to achieve a change infriction was noted. At a 1:1 dilution (as used ) approximately threeminutes yielded satisfactory results.

After rinsing and drying the treated tiles were compared to untreatedtiles and inspected for textual differences in feel and visual changessuch as loss or pattern.

The tiles tested did not exhibit significant visual changes ornoticeable roughening of the surface. When treated and untreated tileswere placed side by side, SGS U.S. Testing Co. reported that there was adiscernable difference in gloss especially when viewing at a side angle.This difference, however, was detected when the treated and untreatedtiles were held up to a light and viewed at a 45° angle. The differenceis not as apparent with straight on viewing. This was more evident withthe smoother higher gloss tiles than with the rougher textured tiles.One tile that was tested for application only had a raised pattern whichdeveloped an iridescence after treatment. There was a discernible changein feel with an increase in friction.

The above results demonstrate that when the coefficient of friction oruntreated surfaces drops to unacceptably low levels when the surfacegets wet, the inventive formulations dramatically increase thecoefficient of friction. On the other hand, if a surface, such as theuntreated quarry tested above, maintains a high coefficient of frictionwhen wet, treating that surface with the inventive formulations will notadversely affect that result, such as for example by elevating thecoefficient of friction to an unacceptable level. Finally, the effect onthe visual appearance of the surface is minimal.

Cleaning Formulae

It has also been discovered that the above formulae make excellentcleaners, especially when these formulae are further diluted.Preferably, the above formulae are diluted by a factor of about 4 to 1,i.e. 1 gallon of formula diluted with 4 gallons of water, before theyare used as cleaners. More preferably, formula 3 is diluted by a factorof about 4 to 1.

Another preferred cleaning solution has the following formula:

    ______________________________________    Y-SLIP CLEANER I    ______________________________________    1.00 oz. (approx.)                 Ammonium Bifluoride (99% active)    1.00 fl. oz. (approx.)                 Hydrogen Chloride Solution (31-33% active)    4.25-8.50 oz. (approx.)                 Citric Acid    14.0-28.0 oz. (approx.)                 BIOSOFT 100 (Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid)    15.5-31.0 oz. (approx.)                 Glycolic Acid (Hydroxyacetic acid 70%                 Solution)    8.50-17.00 oz. (approx.)                 NP-9 (Nonylphenol + 9EO Polyethoxylate)                 (A surfactant)    3.50-7.00 oz. (approx.)                 VERSINE 100 (Tetrasodium Salt of Ethylene                 Diaminetetraacetic Acid)    ______________________________________

This solution is mixed with sufficient water to make one gallon ofsolution. An alternative cleaning solution has the following formula:

    ______________________________________    Y-SLIP CLEANER II    ______________________________________    4.25-8.50 oz (approx.)                        Citric Acid    14.0-28.0 oz. (approx.)                        BIOSOFT 100    15.5-31.0 oz. (approx.)                        Glycolic Acid    8.50-17.00 oz. (approx.)                        NP-9 (A surfactant)    3.50-7.00 oz. (approx.)                        VERSINE 100    ______________________________________

Again, this solution is mixed with sufficient water to make one gallonof solution prior to use. Even after dilution, however Y-SLIP CLEANER IImay have pH lower than that desired. Therefore, a base can be added tothe solution to raise the pH, preferably above 5.0, more preferablybetween 5.0 and 5.2. The preferred base to use is sodium hydroxide. Inboth formulations, all ounce measurements, except fluid ouncemeasurements, are by weight.

These solutions have been found to have excellent cleaning properties onnatural stone or mineral surfaces and cementitious products. They havealso been found to be excellent cleaners on stained or painted concrete,epoxy flooring, unwaxed vinyl and linoleum surfaces. Due to the dilutenature of the cleaners, as compared to the non-slip formulations, thesesurfaces can be safely cleaned without damaging or discoloring them.

While the invention has been described in connection with specificembodiments thereof, it is clearly to be understood that this is doneonly by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of theinvention as set forth in the objects thereof and in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleaning formulation comprising:a. about 1.00oz. of 99% active ammonium bifluoride; b. about 1.00 fl. oz. of 31-33%active hydrogen chloride solution; c. about 4.25-8.50 oz. of citricacid; d. about 14.0-28.0 oz. of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid; e. about15.5-31.0 oz. of gycolic acid; f. about 8.50-17.00 oz. of nonylphenoland 9EO polyethoxylate surfactant; and g. about 3.50-7.00 oz. oftetrasodium salt of ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid; per gallon ofsolution.
 2. A cleaning formulation comprising:a. about 4.25-8.50 oz. ofcitric acid; b. about 14.0-28.0 oz. of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid; c.about 15.5-31.0 oz. of glycolic acid; d. about 8.50-17.00 oz. ofnonylphenol and 9EO polyethoxylate surfactant; e. about 3.50-7.00 oz. oftetrasodium salt of ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid; per gallon ofsolution, further optionally mixed with sufficient base to raise the pHto about 5.0 or above.